Happy first day of winter!! It occurred to me recently that since we’re moving to Chicago at the beginning of the cold season, we have the privilege of experiencing it drag. on. for months. While Matt and I both enjoy snow and are excited to have seasons again—after mostly having one in San Diego for the past 6+ years—I also worry that we’ll eventually feel the “winter blues.”
Having the winter blues basically means your mood is negatively affected by the shorter, colder days; you just feel lethargic. Even in southern California, I’ve never been a fan of the sun setting by 5pm. It makes it feel like your day is always ending extra early. But living in the Midwest again, we’ll have the unfortunate bonus of the extreme cold, which will inevitably cause us to stay cooped up inside more often.
Thankfully, I’ve mostly just experienced these seasonal “blues” in a way that gives me a temporary case of cabin fever. I know others who get seasonal depression (or seasonal affective disorder), though, which can be a debilitating condition.
My post today is geared towards helping ward off the winter blues, not necessarily seasonal affective disorder. However, I think actively practicing some or all of the tips below can provide a little pick-me-up for anyone struggling with the long winter.
A few years ago Matt and I were hanging out in a bar, and this man struck up conversation with us. We got into talking about where we’re from (AKA, northern Illinois), and he seemed fascinated in how people get through the winter when it’s cold and snowy outside for months. That’s when he asked us, “What do you do all winter? Just drink in your basements or something?”
To this day, Matt and I still joke about drinking in our basement all winter, because obviously there’s nothing else you can possibly do. At the time, we both struggled to answer the random dude’s question. (What do we do all winter?!) Considering the decrease in natural light, painfully cold days, and slippery combo of snow/ice covering everything, you definitely spend a lot more time indoors, which can get old—but it can also be enjoyable in its own way.
Although I’ve taken a sunny hiatus from winter for several years, I’ll be diving back into it soon (in a few days, actually), which is why I plan to bust out some old tactics for embracing the season without getting dispirited.
If you struggle with the long winters like so many of us do, I hope you find some of my tips below useful!
1. Get Outside for Some Fresh Air.
Make sure to get outside, even if just for a little bit every once in awhile. It’s easy to stay inside where it’s warm and dry, but if you’re dressed appropriately, getting some fresh air can go a long way.
2. Make Your Indoor Environment Cozier.
If being inside makes you happy, you’ll be less vulnerable to to the decrease in daylight and fresh air. Try cozying up your environment with things like candles, blankets, warm beverages, decor, fun people, and hobbies. (Find more in my 10 Ways to Make Your House Feel Like a Home post.)
3. Brighten Up Your Home.
Less sunlight can mean decreased serotonin and vitamin D levels. Address one or both of these by adding extra light to your home, taking supplements, or bundling up for a morning walk. You may also want to look into light therapy, which can be especially helpful seasonal depression.
4. Stay Active with Routine Exercise.
Being cooped up all winter can make you feel like you need to escape. Make sure you’re still being active, whether it’s in your house, at a gym/studio, or outside. Keep up with a workout schedule, and get those endorphins!
5. Plan or Go on a Vacation.
If you can get away for a weekend for some new scenery, do it! If you can’t, they say the simple act of planning a future vacation can make people feel excited and less hopeless, since there’s something to organize and look forward.
6. Get Out of the House.
Since you’re probably spending more time in your house, try to get out and visit other places to spice up an otherwise bland day. Change up your environment every once in awhile by going places like…a friend’s house, coffee shop, mall, library, etc.
7. Eat Foods That Make You Energized, Not Fatigued.
Ah, nutrition. It affects all the things, either in a positive or negative way. Instead of building that “winter body” with all comfort food all the time, make sure you’re incorporating foods that give you energy. I’m talking a variety of winter fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, and plenty of H20.
Do you tend to get the “winter blues” every year?
How do you keep the symptoms at bay?
